Edited Post: Five Photos & One Controversy
Thursday, March 15th, 2007March 16: And, again, we added five more photos to Fans’ Favorite Photos…..just wasn’t worth an entire, separate post, y’know?
Here are five additions to our Fans’ Favorite Photos set.
One of the photos is a candid from 2004 showing a relaxed, casual TJ backstage after a show. Two are tourbook portraits from 1980. One is a great shot of Tom in a pool and the other is that infamous lobby card used in the MGM (and, as we recall, other venues). People have written privately and posted to all about this photo, expressing their hope that this portrait from the turn of the century will be replaced. We had a photo of it and thought it should be posted for everyone to see.
What do you think?
And, so you don’t think we’re photo-obsessed, here’s a news brief from Contact Music (not always a good source) telling us that:
JONES LOSES NICKNAME TO OPERA STAR WATSON
TOM JONES has slammed British opera star RUSSELL WATSON for stealing his nickname. Veteran singer Jones, 66, has been called ‘The Voice’ since the 1960s, but Watson has register the musical moniker as a trademark. MARK WOODWARD, Jones’ son and manager branded Watson’s name-pilfering as “presumptuous”. A spokesman for Watson says, “He’s always been called The Voice.”
Our Comment: So was Frank Sinatra but, we believe, Sir Tom has been called “Jones the Voice” (a customary way of identifying people in his native Wales) since he started. If he’d been a plumber, he’d likely be called “Jones the Plumber.” It’s the way it is and copyrighting the appellation doesn’t change it. And the fact that both Sinatra and TJ managed to peacefully co-exist using “The Voice” as a nickname shows class not evident in Mr. Watson.
Certainly, Watson can think of a better nickname (and a better publicity stunt which this undoubtedly is). And he can copyright all he wants but, even if the matter were taken to court and he were to win, he’ll never be “The Voice.” Don’t know the legal ramifications of his trademark but we do know that in law the phrase “usual and customary” has clout and, certainly, were Tom’s people to challenge Watson, “usual and customary” usage would come into play.A nd, if he’s “always” been called “The Voice,” why the trademark? Isn’t he secure about it? Again, we believe it’s just a pubicity stunt and is pathetic.
!Viva Jones the Voice!
Got some really good photos. Chris sent some terrific performance shots from Tom in Tulsa (one thumbnail here) which have been added to the renamed 
